IRVINE, Calif. – Orange County SC announced on Friday it had signed 16-year-old defender Pedro Guimaraes to his first professional contract. The U.S. Youth National Team product join’s Orange County from the LAFC Academy.

The Aliso Viejo, Calif. resident has impressed as one of the top youth prospects of his age group. Last month he was named to the MLS Next All-Star Game in Columbus, while in February he completed a training stint with Brazilian giants Flamengo.

“Pedro is one of the top youth prospects in the nation and we are delighted that he has chosen the OCSC pathway to start his professional journey,” said OCSC President of Soccer Operations and General Manager Peter Nugent said. “Signing another youth national team player of Pedro’s caliber continues to signify our intent to be at the forefront of youth development in the country. We look forward to working with Pedro and helping him achieve his goal of playing in Europe in the future.”

Guimaraes was part of the U-15 USYNT squad that won the 2023 CONCACAF Boys Under-15 Championships in the Dominican Republic, the first American team to win the tournament. Guimaraes appeared in all eight matches of the tournament, starting three of them. His squad went undefeated, including a 4-2 defeat of Mexico in the League A Final.

He has also since been named to three U-16 USYNT Training Camps this year, including the squad’s May camp featuring matches against Argentina and Uruguay, where he had an assist in the match against Argentina.

“I am extremely excited to sign my first professional contract with Orange County SC,” Guimaraes said. “It has been something I have been working for since I started playing this sport and God has led me to this moment, through paths that I won’t forget.

“I can’t wait to play my first game in front of the fans and my family, as this is a moment I will never forget. I promise to give my everything on the field. For County!”

After an impressive youth career, Guimaraes becomes the latest young player to join Orange County, which alongside other clubs in the USL Championship has become a destination for young talents aiming to take their game to the next level in the professional ranks.

Now, Guimaraes can hope to follow in the footsteps of those who have come before him like Kobi Henry, Korede Osundina and Milan Iloski, all now playing for clubs in Europe’s top divisions.

“Pedro Guimaraes’ signing with Orange County SC highlights the pathway for top young players to build and develop their careers in the USL Championship,” said USL Head of Global Football Development & Sporting Director Oliver Wyss. “In particular, Orange County continues to be a leader in the league in that regard, featuring a highly competitive environment and a proven record of transferring players to top-flight clubs in Europe.”